The Book Of Deuteronomy

The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Old testament.

Deuteronomy was written around 1406 BC, at the end of the forty years of wandering endured by the nation of Israel. At the time, the people were camped on the east side of the Jordan River, on the plains of Moab, across from the city of Jericho.

They were on the verge of entering the land that had been promised centuries earlier to their forefathers. The children who had left Egypt were now adults, ready to conquer and settle the Promised Land. Before that could happen, the Lord reiterated through Moses His covenant with them.

Introduction to the Book of Deuteronomy and why study this book

The book of Deuteronomy contains Moses's final words to the children of Israel before they entered the land of Canaan with Joshua as their leader. The book's title means "second law" or "repetition of the law".

Moses repeated to the Israelites many of the laws and commandments that were part of their covenant with the Lord. Moses also exhorted the Israelites to remember and keep their covenant as he taught them the consequences of either obeying or disobeying the Lord's laws and commandments.

As students study Deuteronomy, they will learn the importance of looking to past spiritual experiences and remembering to keep the laws, covenants, and commandments of the Lord so that they can have the same promises of prosperity and protection as ancient Israel.

Structure:

1. Chapters 1-4: The journey through the wilderness from Horeb (Sinai) to Kadesh and then to Moab is recalled.
2. Chapters 4-11: After a second introduction at 4:44-49 the events at Mount Horeb are recalled, with the giving of the Ten Commandments. Heads of families are urged to instruct those under their care in the law, warnings are made against serving gods other than Yahweh, the land promised to Israel is praised, and the people are urged to obedience.
3. Chapters 12-26, the Deuteronomic code: Laws governing Israel's worship, the appointment and regulation of community and religious leaders, social regulation, and confession of identity and loyalty.
4. Chapters 27-28: Blessings and curses for those who keep and break the law.
5. Chapters 29-30: Concluding discourse on the covenant in the land of Moab, including all the laws in the Deuteronomic code after those given at Horeb; Israel is again exhorted to obedience.
6. Chapters 31-34: Joshua is installed as Moses's successor, Moses delivers the law to the Levites (a priestly caste), and ascends Mount Nebo or Pisgah, where he dies and is buried by God. The narrative of these events is interrupted by two poems, the Song of Moses and the Blessing of Moses.

Features:

• Perfect for personal use or to give as a gift to celebrate special occasions like graduations, baptisms, birthdays, or achievements
• Easy-to-read
• Two column text
• 47 Pages